HERMITS C have begun the second half of the Bradford League season in great style, with Kevin Pickles prominent in two important victories.

They started the new year in fourth place in Division 1B, and their first two fixtures were against leaders Embassy Police B and third-placed Unity B, which gave Hermits a chance to close the gap at the top.

Pickles had a great night against Embassy Police, taking his three singles in a 6-4 success, but it was more of a team effort that secured the points against Unity B.

Steve Whittaker beat Pickles in his opening singles but, as did Greg Hill and Faz Hussain, Pickles also took two singles in another 6-4 triumph.

In Division 2B, Hermits G have also recorded back-to-back victories.

After an 8-2 success at Fastbats C, they moved into top spot with a 9-1 derby victory over Hermits-I.

Stewart Varley won the opening set for the I team, beating Stuart Beaumont 11-9 in the fifth game, but the G team cleaned up from then on as Mukhtar Khan and Mohammed Murtaza both won three, with Beaumont taking two.

Burton Cup – Quarter final draw: Yeadon A v Pudsey A, Dewsbury Tog v Highdale A, Hermits A v Fastbats A or Hermits B, Embassy Police v Yeadon B.

Tony Theobould Trophy – Quarter-final draw: Unity E v Hermits M, Baildon A v Hermits I, Hermits L v Baildon D, Fastbats A v Baildon C.

Results – Division 1A: Yeadon A 3 Highdale A 7. Division 1B: Unity B 4 Hermits C 6. Division 2B: Hermits G 9 Hermits I 1. Division 3B: Thornbury 7 Fastbats D 3, Hermits M 8 Hermits N 2.